Sketch Inspiration

Every once in awhile our creative spark can disappear for whatever reason. You want to create something, but you just stare at that stamp set or paper pad and just can’t figure out what to do with it. This is where a sketch can come in handy. Sketches are pretty popular–there are even blog challenges that offer prizes when you create something using their sketch. I use sketches a lot and actually, when I create a card, I usually draw out a sketch to go with it so I can use it for another project later on.

These little drawings of a design layout are great because you can use them over and over in different ways. Flip it around, move the elements from one side to the other–there are multiple ways you can use just one sketch!

For today’s project, I’m using this sketch that I created from a card I made a few years ago……….

…..to create a new project using some favorite stamps.

For the cluster to the left of the sentiment, I’m using the bird stamp from Inkadinkado’s Fancy Fawna stamp set. The “cluster” is just a jumping off point, so you can replace it with anything you want. For my original card, I used flowers. The sketch is just a guide for your imagination.

I really like the bold sentiments from the Ranger Letter It stamp sets, so I decided to use the “hello” stamp from the Greetings set for the “sentiment” area on the sketch. I used Memento’s Danube Blue for my ink for something different since I would be stamping my birds in black.

I like how the birds are flying toward the sentiment to say “hello” :). I used some Post-It tape for masking so I could stamp the birds off the edges of the card. My Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens worked well to color in the birds. The thin tips make it easy to get into tight spots and the color does not bleed through the card stock. This is great for doing my favorite one layer cards. I added some hearts I cut using the Sizzix Framelits Card Drop In Thank You die set.

Flip the sketch around to make it vertical and you get something a little different. For the sentiment on this card, I used Memento’s Grape Jelly ink.

Here is another mixed media option where I used some heart die cuts from the Sizzix Scribbles & Splat die set. I added a backdrop of Heidi Swapp Colorshine spray as an additional layer.

Next time you create a card or even a scrapbook page, be sure to draw out a sketch from it to keep in your drawer for those times you’re needing inspiration. Thanks so much for joining me today!

About Heidi

Heidi’s love of papercrafting began over 10 years ago creating scrapbooks for birthdays and fun events. Then, one day, she picked up a cardmaking magazine and fell in love with all the creative options stamps and dies had to offer. She finds inspiration for her cards in all kinds of interesting places. Follow Heidi on Instagram @bluescrallopcreations.